Describe the differences between a plant cell and an animal cell in terms of their structures.

AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.2.1 Cell Structure · Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, giving them a fixed shape, whereas animal cells lack a cell wall and have an irregular shape.
Plant cells contain a large permanent central vacuole filled with cell sap; animal cells generally lack such a permanent vacuole.
Plant cells possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis; animal cells do not.
Both plant and animal cells contain a nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria and ribosomes.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms from the mark scheme (cell wall, cellulose, vacuole, chloroplasts).
  • Show the contrast clearly – list a plant feature then the animal equivalent or absence.
  • Include at least one shared structure to meet the shared‑structure point.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up the presence of a cell wall in animal cells; forgetting the fixed shape point.
  • Failing to mention the permanent vacuole or chloroplasts, or using vague terms like ‘large vacuole’ without specifying permanence.
  • Not naming a shared structure, e.g., omitting mitochondria or ribosomes.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. Plant cells have a cell wall (made of cellulose) but animal cells do not
  2. Plant cells have a permanent vacuole (containing cell sap) but animal cells do not have a permanent vacuole
  3. Plant cells have chloroplasts but animal cells do not
  4. Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus / cell membrane / cytoplasm / mitochondria / ribosomes (any one stated as a shared structure)
  5. Plant cells have a regular/fixed shape (due to cell wall) whereas animal cells have an irregular shape

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